Conversion Disorder

Conversion Disorder

Conversion disorder is a neurological/psychiatric disorder. It is one of a group of psychological disorders called somatoform disorders. Conversion disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but it is treatable.

Causes

The direct cause of conversion disorder is usually experiencing a very stressful or traumatic event. The disorder can be considered the way someone copes, or as a psychological expression of the event. An example of this is a person who loses his voice following a situation in which he was afraid to speak.

Definition

Conversion disorder is a neurological/psychiatric disorder. It is one of a group of psychological disorders calledsomatoform disorders.

Conversion disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but it is treatable.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of conversion disorder may be difficult. It is important for your doctor to carefully consider any physical causes for your symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

Blood tests

Electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate electrical activity in the brain

Electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate electrical activity in the heart

Images of internal body structures may be taken with:

X-rays

CT scan

MRI scan

If no physical cause is detected, the patient may either be referred to a neurologist or for a psychiatric consultation.

Prevention

Conversion disorder can't be prevented because it occurs after a specific, traumatic event.

Risk Factors

Conversion disorder is more common in women and adolescents. Other factors that may increase the chance of developing conversion disorder include:

Symptoms

It is important to understand that the symptoms of conversion disorder are involuntary. The person affected is not consciously acting out or pretending. Symptoms of conversion disorder are real, but lack a connection to any known organic medical diagnoses. Conversion disorder may cause:

To be diagnosed with conversion disorder you must have at least one symptom, but you may also have many. The appearance of symptoms is linked to the stressful event and typically occur suddenly.

Treatment

Psychological disorders can carry a feeling of being stigmatized. It is important that you do not let this prevent you from seeking treatment.

In some cases, conversion disorder goes away on its own. Treatment consists of counseling and psychotherapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy). It may also involve identifying and removing environmental triggers to decrease anything stimulating the conversion disorder.

If underlying anxiety or depression is also occuring, medications may be used to help treat those conditions.

It is important to be consistent with treatment to help prevent a recurrence of the disorder.